Serbian captain: Rookie Lajovic has chance to upset Berdych

Serbian captain Bogdan Obradovic believes world No. 117 Dusan Lajovic has a chance to upset No. 7 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final. Lakovic, 23, lost all four ATP-level matches he has played this year, but did recently win a Challenger in Asia. However, none of his opponents in that tournament were ranked in the Top 170.

Lajovic is subbing for the injured Janko Tipsarevic. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will open the tie against Radek Stepanek.

“Berdych is the favorite but in Davis Cup it doesn’t mean nothing,” Obradovic told Davis Cup.com. “And he’s playing the second match and we have the advantage because Novak is playing the first match and he’s going to be more relaxed because we are probably going to have 1-0. He’ll have the wind [at] the back at that moment.”

Lajovic said being a relative unknown might be an advantage. Berdych said he has never seen Lajovic and will have to scout him.

“From one side, Tomas will be the toughest player I have ever played,” Lajovic said. “From the other side, maybe the good thing could be that he doesn’t know me so I might have some advantage in the opening games of the match. I just hope that I can give my best and try to surprise him.”